Friday 19 August 2022 11:01 PM Asian-American man, 68, pleads not guilty to killing doctor, and injuring five ... trends now
A Las Vegas man accused of killing a doctor and killing five others at a Southern California church lunch because of his hatred for Taiwan, pleaded not guilty on Friday.
David Chou, 68, was charged with murder with an enhancement of a hate crime after he opened fire in May at a Taiwanese congregation that was meeting at a church in Laguna Woods, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Dr. John Cheng, 52, was killed trying to stop Chou whose actions were motivated by 'political tensions between China and Taiwan.' Five others were injured, but survived their injuries.
Chou appeared in court on August 19 behind a metal-like cage separating him from others. The 68-year-old wore glasses, a face mask, and a yellow jumpsuit. He wore a headset and spoke with the help of a Mandarin interpreter.
The gunman struggled to understand what the judge was telling him - which he told the interpreter.
He has been ordered by Orange County Superior Court Judge Cynthia M. Herrera to be held without bail at the Theo Lacy jail, and will appear back in court for a pre-trial hearing on October 21.
David Chou, 68, pleaded not guilty on Friday to killing Dr. John Cheng, 52, and injuring five others during a luncheon following a Taiwanese service in Laguna Hills, Calif. in May
Chou, who is from Las Vegas, appeared in court on August 19 behind a metal-like cage on August 19. Wearing a headset, a Mandarin interpreter translated his words to the judge
Chou appeared in court for the first time after he was motivated to commit the mass shooting by hatred for Taiwan
Defense attorney Tania Vallego appeared in court with Chou who is to be arraigned on a capital murder charge
John Cheng was shot and killed in the shooting on Sunday at the California church. Cheng attempted to stop the gunman when he was struck
